Makes›Kia›Optima›2016

2016 Kia Optima

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Kia Optima
Pictured: 2016 Kia Optima SI front. Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan, Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
37 combined · 35 city / 38 hwy
Length
191.3 in
Curb weight
3,225–3,594 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 41% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints764 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 164 for similar models — most often about the engine.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,225 lb (LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (35 city / 38 highway), 41% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,800 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 764 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2016

  • Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Optima →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan191.3 in73.2 in57.9 in110.6 in62.2 / 63 in3,225 lb61/39
Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan191.3 in73.2 in57.9 in110.6 in62.2 / 63 in3,594 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Optima Hybrid Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive35 / 38 / 37+41%$1,800242
Optima Hybrid EX Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive35 / 38 / 36+37%$1,850247
Optima1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 37 / 31+46%$2,150286
Optima FE2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+37%$2,300308
Optima2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+32%$2,400320
Optima2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+18%$2,700360
Optima FE2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+18%$2,700355
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.2 MPG2016 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2016 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Kia Optima (this car)37 MPG★★★★★5
2016 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★1
2016 Honda Civic35 MPG★★★★★5
2016 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated4
2016 Chevrolet Impala25 MPG★★★★★0
2016 Toyota Camry40 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (5)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Aug 24, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 319,436 vehicles

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 6, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V007000 · 1 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Risk
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Fix
The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Oct 3, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V705000 · 12,214 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
Risk
If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
Air Bags › Frontal · Apr 21, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V231000 · 17 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
Risk
If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

764Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
27Involved a crash
21Involved a fire
21Injuries reported
68,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine428
Unknown Or Other121
Electrical System102
Power Train75
Fuel/Propulsion System53
Exterior Lighting45
Structure › Body40
Vehicle Speed Control28
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1024/12: 325/01: 425/02: 725/03: 925/04: 725/05: 725/06: 525/07: 925/08: 925/09: 525/10: 525/11: 725/12: 326/01: 326/02: 726/03: 626/04: 726/05: 726/06: 526/07: 426/08: 526/09: 226/10: 424/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 10

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Kia Optima buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 428 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 102 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 75 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Optima years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Optima42191.3 in★★★★★0153
2019 Optima41191.3 in★★★★★1213
2018 Optima42191.3 in★★★★★3244
2017 Optima42191.3 in★★★★★4306
2015 Optima37190.6 in★★★★★41,020
2014 Optima37190.6 in★★★★★7580
2013 Optima37190.6 inNot rated101,352
2012 Optima36190.6 inNot rated6917
2011 Optima36–Not rated6544
2010 Optima25–Not rated141
2009 Optima25–Not rated155
2008 Optima25–Not rated360

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →